Hull Is This

In this podcast I take up an invitation to visit a small charity in Fegg Hayes, in North Staffordshire.The Restoration Shack aims to be ‘a creative space where individuals can thrive and feel valued’.It was set up by Linda Williams.“It’s all about heart for me. The essence of it is this, everything we try to do is about quality. We will give of the very best. We use the very best products we can possibly afford. We’ve renovated this place to be the best it can possibly be. Because, when you offer something of quality to people, you respect them, it gives an element of value, they know they are valued enough to go the extra mile.” Linda Williams.“It’s all about people. The vision is about changed lives,” said Linda.Find out more about The Restoration Shack, including how you can get involved, by visiting the charity’s Facebook page:Facebook: The Restoration ShackThe Restoration Shack, 115 Fegg Hayes Road, Fegg Hayes, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6QR.Email: linda@restorationshack.co.uk This is a public ep

“I’ve learned how resilient you can be, and how simple life could be. Life is very complex, there’s lots of things you’ve got to do, and people worry about lots of different things. But, if you trim it down, it’s just a matter of getting on with people,” said Chris Parr.Chris is Director of the Stoke 2000 project, “an art, culture, education and recycling project” in Stoke-on-Trent.On the 29th March he set off on an epic 2,000 bike ride across Britain, fundraising for MIND, and “helping more people to get creative and make other products from recycled pallet wood. Most importantly, showing that activity and creativity can help with feelings of mental health, isolation and loneliness.”Chris spoke to North Staffs News editor Jerome on day 28 of his 50 day challenge, a planned rest day in Whitley Bay.He talks about the challenges he’s experienced so far, the people he’s met, and the places he’s visited.Find out more about Chris’ Man in Notion challenge, and support him if you can!Chris’ webpage about the challen

WARNING: ADULT CONTENT. The interview contains swearing, and descriptions of abuse and violence.Jerome chats with Stoke-on-Trent indie author Jo Haywood about KNAVE, her second book.Jo tells Jerome about her long-standing passion for writing fiction, hints at her fascination with all things paranormal, and she plugs Stoke Indoor Market - where she used to be employed as manager.Jo has a book signing event at the indoor market on Saturday 1st April, 10am to 12pm.Find out more about Jo, and order books, on her website:https://johaywoodauthor.co.uk/welcomeRead more on the North Staffs News website, here: https://northstaffs.news/podcast-knave-with-stoke-on-trent-indie-author-jo-haywood This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

I set myself a challenge of photographing as many species of bumblebee as I could find in one day.I trekked through fields, a former golf course, nature reserve and country park in Silverdale, and along a trail into Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.These are my thoughts and observations recorded along the way.Can we do more to help our bumblebees? Where are they doing best? How many species did I manage to photograph?Take a look at the photographs from the day here:https://jeromew.uk/jeromes-bumblebee-challenge This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

“My nickname is Birdman. So, I use birds in all of my work. For me, birds can travel the world without thinking of borders, you know? Something I don't have the luxury of.”Semaan Khawam is artist-in-residence at Allison Lochhead’s ‘Art for Peace’ exhibition, showing at Appetite’s Astley Walk arts space in Newcastle-under-Lyme.He tells me more about the inspiration for his sculptures and paintings, and why he can never return to the place of his birth, Syria.More about Appetite's Art for Peace exhibition here: https://www.appetite.org.uk/event/art-for-peace-by-alison-lochhead/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

"It turns out with Newcastle-under-Lyme that the market's been one of the main things for the culture of the place," says Kidda.Kidda Kinsey is one of five artists and illustrators commissioned by Appetite to create 'Maps in March'."These maps will build on our original town centre map created by Chloe Breeze and explore the specific themes of nature, independent businesses, markets, food and drink outlets and feeling safe within the town centre," says Appetite.Kidda was talking to Jerome Whittingham. Jerome has been commissioned by Appetite to report on activities at their Newcastle Common arts space.Find out more about Appetite's Maps in March project here:https://www.appetite.org.uk/event/maps-in-march-at-newcastle-common/SUBSCRIBE to North Staffs News email bulletin here: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/northstaffsnews This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

"My interest in Maps in March is looking at the green spaces in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, and uncovering some of the stories about some of the trees in particular that are around the town centre, and in the parks and along the walkways, to bring out people to just appreciate what's around them," says Su.Su Hurrell, Ladybird Su, is one of five artists and illustrators commissioned by Appetite to create 'Maps in March'."These maps will build on our original town centre map created by Chloe Breeze and explore the specific themes of nature, independent businesses, markets, food and drink outlets and feeling safe within the town centre," says Appetite.Su was talking to Jerome Whittingham. Jerome has been commissioned by Appetite to report on activities at their Newcastle Common arts space.Find out more about Appetite's Maps in March project here:https://www.appetite.org.uk/event/maps-in-march-at-newcastle-common/SUBSCRIBE  to North Staffs News email bulletin here: ht

Siobhan McAleer, artist and community curator, is the creative force behind The Depository of the Dull. It’s a project delivered jointly by Appetite and the Brampton Museum, and it’s inviting you to ‘bring in your objects and tell us your stories’.Siobhan said: “The Depository of the Dull was made as a virtual museum in lockdown last year. I invited people to tell us about some everyday objects that they had been looking at while they'd been in their houses. We called it the Depository of the Dull. It's kind of a play on words or a joke, I guess. The thing is,neverything is supposed to look as though it's not very interesting, but then has a really interesting story that goes along with it.“For this project, the Depository of the Dull, I'm working at Newcastle Common, which is Appetite’s base in the town centre, and alongside the Brampton Museum, and what we're doing is asking people to bring in their everyday objects, with interesting stories associated in some way to Newcastle.”List

Light Over Winter is Appetite’s latest offering at their Newcastle Common venue, in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, North Staffordshire.It’s an exhibition of photographs by 14 local photographers who’ve taken part in workshops lead by Grain photography hub.I went along to a bustling preview event (Thursday 6th January 2021) to meet some of the workshop leaders and a number of the photographers who were clearly very excited to see their images on a gallery wall.The Light Over Winter exhibition is open for visitors at the Newcastle Common space on the High Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.It runs until Saturday 29th January, 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.Find out more about this exhibition and  Appetite’s work by visiting their website - https://www.appetite.org.uk/event/light-over-winter-exhibition/Jerome has been commissioned by Appetite to report on activities at their Newcastle Common arts space. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t

Poet Jennifer Spice invites children and others to take a walk and to talk about nature.She’s been engaging with children from Crescent Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent, in a series of workshops to “feel a bit of nature, pick up a stone, connect with nature, read some poetry in nature, do some breathing in nature.”In this podcast episode Jennifer tells how the children respond to new experiences of the natural world, and how they’ve been inspired to write poetry together. She also shares several of her poems.“Nature, thinking, then writing prose, journaling and poetry, have been my mainstay to self-help therapy, to get well, maintain well, and grow well,” said Jennifer.Jenn is a wave of infectious energy. She delights in the shape of clouds, the buzzing of insects, the vibrancy of Nature’s palette. She aims to live in each moment, to enjoy each moment, mindfully and fully. Her writing helps her to record the moments that a camera would miss. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other

June and Annette are challenging company. They challenge us to think positively about Burslem.We met in the Market Place Cafe, just opposite the former Burslem town hall.For about an hour they spoke passionately about their home town – the ‘mother town’ of the potteries – its history, its characters, its architecture, its future.“Annette calls me mother,” said June.The friend that introduced me to June and Annette calls them both ‘the mothers of the mother town’. They speak of Burslem with both love and affection.“We have an excellent community,” said June. “It always comes together for anything. It’s a beautiful old town.”June and Annette are leading members of ‘Our Burslem’, a community action group which promotes Burslem, putting on events in the town, and co-ordinating a large and vocal social media presence, on facebook in particular.Their mission is not political, or rather not ‘party political’. Actually, the group demonstrates a ‘pure’ democracy, being a movement of diverse people uniting in action an

Featuring themes of domestic violence and attempted suicide...It’s been five months since Bella Hickson killed her husband Connor and Police Constable Sean Cargill is still suffering the consequences. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Alice Farmer is on Sean’s trail. Murder in Lockdown II tells a twisted tale of love, danger, and murder, against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.Murder in Lockdown II sees the return of Sean Alton as PC Sean Cargill and also stars Georgina Garton as DI Alice Farmer. Includes a cameo appearance by Zoe Hughes (Bella).Murder in Lockdown II was written by Josh Whittingham, and produced by Jerome Whittingham @photomoments for HULL IS THIS.The first episode can be heard on HULL IS THIS here: https://hullisthis.news/podcast-murder-in-lockdownMore by writer Josh Whittingham here: https://writtenbyjoshw.wordpress.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

An audio drama.Josh Whittingham, writer, said: “Starring Jackie Rodgers, For The Record tells the story of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Raven, a detective whose last case is hampered by the early onset of dementia. While her memories of the past are strong, Jane is having trouble remembering her last case as a detective before she was forced to take early retirement. However, one name keeps circling around in her mind: Lydiard. But what significance does it have to Jane’s final case?”At the end of For The Record, HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham talks to June Cooke, the director of Hull-based dementia charity Butterflies Memory Loss Support Group, about early onset dementia in the workplace.Writer: Josh WhittinghamJane Raven played by Jackie RodgersProduced by Jerome WhittinghamMore on HULL IS THIS: https://hullisthis.news/for-the-record-an-audio-drama This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham chats with writer and spoken word performer Michelle Dee.Michelle shares three poems, all written recently: Routine, Ice Queen, and Mercy. She explains the inspiration and background to each.We chat about the year in the arts, and reflect upon not just the challenges it has presented - but also the opportunities.Michelle makes a recommendation for a wine to enjoy with bacon steaks.HULL IS THIS: https://hullisthis.news/podcast-wintry-poems-and-reflections-upon-a-year-with-michelle-dee This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

In this podcast interview Fiona Caley, artist in residence at Hull's urban agriculture project Rooted in Hull, reveals what's in store for artists visiting the site.She talks to HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham about opportunities for collaboration with other artists - visual art and photography, poetry and spoken word, performing arts and musicians.Website: Rooted in HullRead full article on HULL IS THIS here: https://hullisthis.news/rooted-in-hulls-artist-in-residence-reveals-whats-in-the-big-red-box This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

In this podcast HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham pays a visit to the Hull Library of Stuff. He meets the library's founder and director, Alan Dalgairns.Alan explains how making a purchase on an online auction site some years ago got him thinking about how he could help people save money, and help reduce the environmental impacts of manufacturing, owning, and disposing of 'stuff'.Read article at HULL IS THIS here: https://hullisthis.news/a-visit-to-the-hull-library-of-stuff This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

In this podcast HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham chats to theatrical musician Graham Graham Beck.Graham tells us how a 2020 calendar clear of festival appointments may lead to a greater offering of his genuinely unique, often surreal, musical performances in 2021.Graham shares his freshly knob-twiddled Christmas single 'Every time I look into your eyes it's Christmas'.He reveals how he'll be spending Christmas Day.And, the editor prays there'll be no fireworks.Check out Graham Graham Beck on twitter @BeckGra, and take a look at his website: https://www.graham-graham-beck.co.ukCover photo: Jerome Whittingham @photomoments  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

In this podcast episode HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham visits EMS Community Growing Coordinator John Pickles, to hear how this charity is helping people to beat food poverty by having a go at growing their own veg. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com

In this podcast episode Miranda van Rossum, creative co-ordinator and leader of We Made This Hull crafting group, tells HULL IS THIS editor Jerome Whittingham all about their latest large-scale community crafting project - Christmas Trees 4 Ever.On Saturday 5 December 2020, over 140 trees in 85 locations across Hull will be decorated with handmade creations by hundreds of local people.“The theme for this year’s trail is reduce-reuse-recycle. It’s been great to see so many creative interpretations of it in the makes, and the ‘tree identifiers’ on each tree will tell you a little more about how its makers have approached the theme,” said Miranda.Many groups, this year, have decided to take some time off from their regular activities because of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Not so for Miranda’s movement of dedicated crafters, they’ve stepped up to the challenge and even taken more ground! This year’s Christmas Trees 4 Ever trail even includes ‘makes’ created by an increased number of care ho

In this HULL IS THIS podcast, editor Jerome Whittingham is joined by Laura Jarvis, Senior Development Manager at The Alcohol and Drug Service, and Paul Longley, Mental Health Trainer at Hopen and facilitator of Andy's Man Club in Hull.We talk about the mental health impacts of consuming too much alcohol, how much is too much, what strategies and coping mechanisms we can adopt to take control of our drinking, and what professional help is available to those who are worried about excessive alcohol consumption.Read full article, with links to help and support, on HULL IS THIS: https://hullisthis.news/exploring-alcohol-and-mental-health-for-alcohol-awareness-week-2020 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeromew.substack.com